Akrytova, Olena

Description

Tell about your childhood, school, family, etc.

I was born in a Greek settlement in the village of Staryi Krym in eastern Ukraine. My father was Greek by nationality and my mother was Bulgarian. I graduated from a secondary school. I also studied at a music school. Then I continued my education at a music college. Later, I studied at the Donetsk Music Pedagogical Institute.

Where did you work? Was your work good? Were you happy with your job?

For 38 years I worked in a secondary school, teaching music. At the same time, I led a Greek folklore research group. The working conditions were excellent. I had everything I needed for quality work, musical instruments and various materials. I especially enjoyed working with the folklore group.

Tell about your present life.

In early March 2022, my disabled husband, my daughter and her friend and I had to leave our home at short notice because bombs were exploding around us. We spent some time in the basement, without heat, food, electricity, or communication. We have been living in Ukraine for three years now, in Kyiv, renting an apartment. We are waiting for the time when we can return home. We really hope so. We have been praying for this constantly, and we believe that Almighty God will hear us and help us.

Have you accepted Christ? How long have you been following the Lord?

I have believed in Christ since I was a child. Our whole family was believers. Here in Kyiv, I study the Bible extensively and attend services at St. Paul’s Church. I am sincerely grateful to the entire church leadership for their tireless work.

Tell about one thing your sponsor needs to know about you.

I have full confidence that God is our Heavenly Father and that He is always with us. Our only hope now is in Him to end this terrible war that destroys everything in its path. I want to return to my hometown and my home with my family. To the place where I spent my life.